Citizen gifts land to extend Trelissick Park

Frances gifted the 2474 metres squared area, located beside Trelissick Park on Ngaio Gorge Road, to the Council in March, and the land has now been classified as Scenic Reserve under the Reserves Act 1977. Acquisition of this land aligns with Council’s Te Whai Oranga Pōneke – Open Space and Recreation Strategy, which includes objectives to protect and restore the ecology of our natural spaces.

The gifted land is part of an important indigenous forest remnant and includes a mature matai tree which has been used as a seed source for propagating eco-sourced plants for the Council’s indigenous restoration planting programme. 

A small stream, which crosses the site, is a tributary of Kaiwharawhara Stream, which flows through Trelissick Park in the valley below. Council ownership means the space will be managed as part of Trelissick Park and its natural values protected. 

Frances is a founding member of the Trelissick Park Group, made up of volunteers who have been restoring the park’s natural values since 1991.

In collaboration with Wellington City Council and the Greater Wellington Regional Council, the group has vastly improved Trelissick Park. Tracks have been re-opened or built, bridges have been constructed, weeds removed, thousands of native trees planted, and streams given increased protection since the group was established.

“After a connection with Trellisick park of over 30 years, it has given me so much pleasure to have been able to purchase this bush-covered section which was zoned residential,” says Frances.

“Following gifting to the Council, the section has been rezoned as a reserve and added to the park. With both bush and stream, this is an excellent result for this section of land, and I know the team of volunteers will look forward to working there.”

If you’re interested in the work of the Trelissick Park Group, you can find out more on their website.